The UK hospitality group has extended its partnership with Dreams Come True into a third year after raising more than £196,000 in its second year alone.
The Big Table Group, one of the UK’s leading multi-brand restaurant operators, has extended its partnership with children’s charity Dreams Come True into a third year after raising more than £356,000 over the past two years.
The group, which operates more than 200 restaurants across the UK and employs approximately 5,000 people, raised £196,338 during the second year of the partnership, surpassing the £160,000 collected in its first year. The fundraising achievement reinforces its position as Dreams Come True’s largest corporate partner.
The initiative has brought together employees, customers and business partners across The Big Table Group’s restaurant portfolio, including Bella Italia, Las Iguanas, Banana Tree, Frankie & Benny’s, Chiquito and Amalfi.
A major highlight of the second year was the Dream Makers Ball, hosted by actress and comedian Sally Phillips, which raised more than £80,000 towards the overall fundraising total. The event featured Dreams Come True ambassador and Paralympic gold medallist William Bayley MBE, alongside a family sharing the impact of the charity’s support.
Throughout the year, employees across the group participated in fundraising activities, including the Peak District Ultra Challenge, a 100km walk, the National Three Peaks Challenge, skydiving, running and cycling events. Restaurant-led initiatives included wine tastings, auctions, quizzes and seasonal fundraising campaigns involving customers and local communities.
Alan Morgan, CEO of The Big Table Group, said: “To have raised more than £356,000 in just two years is a phenomenal achievement and something everyone across The Big Table Group should be incredibly proud of. Raising nearly £200,000 in our second year is testament to the extraordinary passion, creativity and generosity of our teams, partners and guests.”
He added: “Knowing the difference these funds make to children and families facing some of life’s toughest challenges makes every fundraising effort worthwhile. We’re proud to play our part and to be continuing this fantastic partnership into a third year.”
Lisa King OBE, Chief Executive of Dreams Come True, said: “For a child living with a serious illness or disability, a dream can bring joy when life feels especially difficult. The Big Table Group’s continued support helps us make these moments possible for children whose families are also facing poverty.”
Dreams Come True is a UK national wish-granting charity supporting children aged five to 18 who are living with serious illnesses, disabilities or life-limiting conditions and experiencing socioeconomic deprivation. The charity provides tailored experiences, specialist equipment and opportunities designed to create lasting memories for children and their families.
As the partnership enters its third year, The Big Table Group’s restaurant brands will continue supporting the charity through employee-led challenges, in-restaurant fundraising activities and community initiatives across the UK.
Owned by private equity firm Epiris, The Big Table Group operates Bella Italia, Las Iguanas, Amalfi, Banana Tree, Frankie & Benny’s, Chiquito and Café Rouge. Its estate includes more than 200 restaurants across the UK, including concession sites within Center Parcs Villages and franchise partner-operated locations.
